Hospital patient, 91, continues to send Christmas package to family in need

CTV Toronto
Published Sunday, December 23, 2012 9:01PM EST

A Toronto woman was giving thanks this weekend after a 91-year-old woman who has been sending her a Christmas care package for five years did so again, despite being in hospital.

When Michelle Emond found out that the woman who has been sending her and her daughter the Christmas packages was in palliative care, she decided she had to find a way to see her.

Emond was notified on Friday that her package -- containing gifts and a turkey dinner -- had arrived and that the sender, Anne Chiovetti, was in hospital in palliative care. Determined to see Chiovetti one last time, Emond worked to arrange a visit.

On Sunday, she got her wish.

Bearing flowers, Emond and her daughter visited Chiovetti in the hospital.

Upon seeing Emond, Chiovetti welcomed her with a hug.

“How nice to see you, I haven’t seen you in so long,” she said.

As Chiovetti chatted with her visitors, Emond told her how much her kindness meant to her.

“You taught me that when I think I’m alone, I’m not. And it’s a life lesson for my daughter,” she said.

Chiovetti had some encouraging words for Emond’s daughter.

“Hold your head up high and just be strong, and you’ll get there,” she said.

Emond was connected with Chiovetti after seeking help from St. Luke’s Church five years ago. She described the first time she met Chiovetti to CTV Toronto.

“There was an instant connection. She had said to me that she had gotten attached to my daughter and I, and that we will never be forgotten at Christmas time,” said Emond.

Chiovetti has been involved with charity work for her entire life. She regularly helps feed the homeless and is involved in the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps grant wishes for children with serious illnesses.

Emond said Chiovetti’s support has given her hope.

“There are still good people out there and they’re full of love and if we just open up our eyes we’re going to find it,” said Emond.